Symptoms

Symptoms may come on suddenly or develop over time. Shoulder instability may cause:

Pain in the shoulder area

Shoulder or arm weakness

Shoulder may feel loose

Shoulder may slip out of place

Numb feeling down the arm

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Special attention will be given to your shoulders. Your doctor will determine your range of motion and try to move the humeral head within the socket.

Arthroscopy is done with an instrument with a long tube and miniature camera on the end. Repairs or corrections can be made while the doctor evaluates the shoulder joint.

Treatment

Therapy will depend on the extent of the injury, the cause, and other factors. Treatment may include:

Rest—Avoid activities that produce pain or stress the joint.

Ice—This helps to control pain and inflammation, especially after exercise.

Medication—Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may be given to manage pain.

Rehabilitation—This can last several months and may include:

Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that control the shoulder joint, particularly the internal rotators of the shoulder

Specific exercises for certain sports or job activities

Learning how to modify activities to prevent reinjury

Surgery—Many different procedures may be used to correct shoulder instability. The goal is to fix the cause. An
arthroscopic
or an open technique may be used. After surgery, the arm is kept from moving for three to six weeks, depending on the procedure.

Prevention

Guidelines to help protect the shoulder from injury include:

Doing regular exercises to strengthen the supporting muscles

Using proper athletic training methods

Increasing the duration or intensity of your exercises gradually

Modifying activities to prevent excessive external rotation and overhead motions of the shoulder

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.